Carmell Engebretson, ANELP & MBA Class of 2018, 2022
Alumna Carmell Engebretson is a leader at Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC) whose work in communications and storytelling reflects her commitment to community, connection, and purposeful leadership—values strengthened during her time at Alaska Pacific University.
Carmell came to APU through her connection with BBNC and the Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program, returning to school while balancing work and family. She was drawn to APU’s flexible, Alaska-centered approach to learning and its strong focus on community relevance.
Returning to school after more than a decade required a shift in mindset, but Carmell entered the MBA program ready for growth rather than routine achievement. Over time, she saw that growth reflected in her confidence, communication, and leadership approach. “It really helped me build my confidence in my ability to lead and communicate.”
Much of Carmell’s development also came through collaborative coursework that required navigating different communication styles, expectations, and approaches to group work. These experiences strengthened her ability to create clarity in complex situations and to prioritize alignment from the beginning of any project. “Navigating situations where expectations aren’t clearly aligned, that can be very challenging.”
Today, that lesson is central to her work in communications, where she emphasizes clarity, shared understanding, and intentional collaboration
Rather than a single defining moment, her experience at APU became a steady progression of learning that influenced both her personal development and professional advancement. One of her most impactful experiences came through a leadership course that challenged her to step outside her comfort zone. The course challenged students through physically and emotionally demanding experiences, including high ropes and whitewater rafting, designed to build trust, resilience, and self-awareness. “I was terrified. I didn’t know if I could do it.” That experience became a turning point that reshaped how she approaches challenge and growth.
At BBNC, Carmell has helped develop storytelling initiatives that highlight the people, places, and culture of the Bristol Bay region. These projects aim to strengthen connection for shareholders and descendants, particularly those who may have never experienced the region firsthand. What began as a simple, authentic video captured in a community setting grew into a broader storytelling effort, including the “Welcome to Bristol Bay” series.
Today, Carmell focuses on continued growth as a leader and the impact of her work, grounded in clarity, collaboration, and service. Her message to students is simple: “Just know that they can do hard things and that they have community to support them.”
She remains eager to stay connected with the APU community and collaborate with fellow alumni.
